ML Specialist

HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 46,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op is seeking a ML Specialist (Multilingual Learner Specialist) based in Denver, Colorado. This role empowers Learning Site Mentors and supports English Learners through targeted interventions and coaching. The ideal candidate will hold a Colorado Teaching License with a CLD endorsement, have experience in teaching at-risk youth, and be committed to educational equity. The position offers a salary range of $46,000 to $59,000 and requires on-site collaboration in a dynamic classroom environment.

Qualifications

• Active Colorado Teaching License with a culturally and linguistically diverse education endorsement.
• 3+ years of teaching experience, including 2 years with at-risk youth.
• Proven track record of using data-driven practices to enhance student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted interventions and language development lessons directly to students.
• Oversee the Home Language Survey process and analyze student progress data.
• Develop trusting relationships with families and participate in IEP meetings.

Skills

Instructional Leadership

Language Development

Data Analysis

Coaching

Culturally Responsive Relationships

Education

Active Colorado Teaching License with CLD Endorsement

Master’s Degree in an Education-related field

Tools

Edmentum

Google Classroom

Data Management Systems

Job description

ML Specialist (Multilingual Learner Specialist)

Location: Learning Site Based | Salary: $46,000 – $59,000 | Schedule: Full-Time, Exempt (Academic Year Calendar)

The Mission

At HOPE Online Learning Academy, we believe every student deserves a voice and a path to success. As an ML Specialist, you aren’t just a coordinator; you are an instructional bridge-builder. You will empower Learning Site Mentors, coach instructional staff, and ensure our English Learners (ELs) have the tools, language support, and advocacy they need to thrive in a blended learning environment.

Core Responsibilities

1. Instructional Leadership & Direct Student Support (35%)

You are the bridge between data-driven strategy and classroom reality. You don't just coach from the sidelines; you dive into instruction to ensure student success.

• Direct Student Impact: Deliver targeted interventions and language development lessons directly to students to help bridge academic gaps.
• Coaching & Modeling: Use "Situational Leadership" to support Learning Site Mentors—co-planning lessons and role-modeling effective teaching strategies (such as SIOP) in real-time.
• Strategic Grouping: Use data to identify and lead small groups for intensive language acquisition.
• Standards Mastery: Partner with Site Coordinators to "unpack" Colorado Academic Standards into accessible learning targets for ML students.

2. Assessment, Data & Progress Monitoring (35%)

You own the "big picture" of student growth and compliance.

• Identification & Placement: Oversee the Home Language Survey process, WIDA Screeners, and ACCESS testing to ensure students are correctly identified and supported.
• Data Advocacy: Analyze iReady, MAP, and Virtual Instructor reports to adjust instruction and monitor progress toward language mastery.
• ML Plans (MLPs): Coordinate the timely writing and monitoring of ML Plans, ensuring goals are ambitious and achievable.

3. Collaboration & Communication (10%)

• Bridge Building: Develop trusting, culturally responsive relationships with families, students, and virtual instructors.
• Team Integration: Participate in IEP meetings for MLs and collaborate with MTSS/RTI teams to identify behavioral or educational strategies for struggling learners.

4. Professional Growth & Community (20%)

• Expertise: Stay at the forefront of English language acquisition by attending CDE/Think Tank sessions and leading "mini-workshops" for site staff.
• Culture: Participate in site events (Back to School, conferences) to build a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment.

What You Bring to the Team

The Essentials:

• Certification: Active Colorado Teaching License with a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education endorsement (or the ability to obtain it within three years).
• Experience: 3+ years of teaching, with at least 2 years working with at-risk youth in a multicultural setting.
• Instructional Excellence: A track record of coaching adults and using data-driven practices to improve student outcomes.
• Equity Mindset: A deep commitment to educational equity and ensuring all students have the resources to achieve excellence.

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingualism: Oral and written fluency in Spanish.
• Advanced Education: Master’s Degree in an Education-related field.
• Tech Proficiency: Comfort with Edmentum, Google Classroom, and data management systems.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• The Schedule: Following the HOPE Academic Calendar, you will be on-site 30 minutes before and after the Learning Site’s operational hours.
• The Setting: A dynamic classroom/office environment with moderate noise.
• Physical Needs: Ability to lead a classroom (standing, walking, bending) and use a computer for extended periods. Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Travel: Reliable transportation to travel between assigned Learning Sites and the main HOPE office for training (mileage may be reimbursed).